“But the people,—where are they?”
The ’tzin raised his hand and pointed to the palace,—
“So the strangers have asked. See!”
Hualpa turned, and saw the gate open and the cavaliers begin to ride forth.
“Go they this way, or yon,” continued the ’tzin, “they will find the same answer. Five armies hold the city; a sixth keeps the lake.”
Down the beautiful street the Christians rode unchallenged until they came to the first canal. While restoring the bridge there, they heard the clamor of an army, and lo! out of the gardens, houses, and temples, far as the vision reached, the infidels poured and blocked the way.
Then the cavaliers rode back, and took the way to Tlacopan. There, too, the first canal was bridgeless; and as they stood looking across the chasm, they heard the same clamor and beheld the same martial apparition.
Once more they rode, this time up the street toward the northern dike, and with the same result.
“Ola, father!” said Cortes, returned to the palace, “we may not stay here after to-morrow.”
“Amen!” cried Olmedo.